I am also looking into the Barcelo Bavaro Palace... My wedding is not until July of 2013 but I'm an early planner... I love the whole beach/bonfire idea... my fiance really likes this... he thinks it would tie into the whole "destination" theme...

I have heard nothing but great reviews from El Tronco florist... can someone please email me their # - evapeguero620@gmail.com - I hope this forum keeps on growing... we are all desperate for info

I have done ALOT of research on this hotel and have spoke to 7 brides who were recently married at Barcelo Punta Cana. I have my wedding booked for May 2012 and I have to say, I was a little worried due to the reviews on Trip Advisor but once I talked to the recent brides, I know feel so much more relaxed and I am ready to PARTY. Ariana has been AMAZING and is always prompt in returning emails. For the bride who has not heard back yet, you might me using the wrong email, try puntacana.weddings@barcelo.com

Here is the run down that I got from the brides and other:

YES - there are so many reno's going on at the hotel when it comes to rooms. Just like any hotel or even your house. It takes time and money!!! Up to this date, Block 3 (Rooms 3201 - 3423 are amazing, go on Trip Advisor, go to Barcelo Hotel and click on picture in the top right side. Go to rooms or view from room and you will see the room photos. I wrote down all the rooms I wanted! Plus it is on the quite side which is great for sleeping). I requested these for my friends and family. We have the Presidental Suite! They have done alot and I am fully confident that the hotel will be amazing. Just to give you an example of how I know Trip Advisor is BULLCRAP, I went to a wedding 2 years ago at Rui Bachata in Puerta Plata. This place was amazing, stunning and perfect in everyway yet I go on now and read the most crazy complaints of all the same things such as slow service, busy pool bars, no towels, long check in blah blah blah. I had none of that or atleast I was having such a great time that I did not care. This shows me never to listen to stupid complaints. Beach wedding is amazing under the Arch (Booked it!) also the reception dinner at the Marlin (its a second flkoor private room right on the beach (Booked it! Do menu 3 buffet). I have heard the beach party is great! We are having that the night before the wedding. I have rented the hall for the whole night (till 12:00 am) and we also got a DJ. I am truly excited and I really have no worries. To the people who complain, please stay home in your perfect little home where you have no bugs EVER in your house and all the towels in the world. Sit back and have you chef make your food and your maid serve you all day. Sorry you had to leave your perfect world to mingle with the rest of us poor folks LOL.

Can you please let me know so more info on the Florist (how much did you spend if you don't mind me asking) and about the Beach party with the DJ and the lights. Do you have any photos. This sounds exactly like what I am wanting to do. Please email me at sarahduarte33@hotmail.com. Thank you so much for all your help!

Thanks to all for all the helpful information and positive feedback posted. I am getting married at the barcelo punta cana next april and I'm anxious to get more information regarding reception sites, outside vendors used (photographers, florists, linens, decorations, Bands or DJ's). Arianna has been quick to reply to my emails just not as clear in explanation as I had hoped. I'm glad this site is available for idea and info. exchange. I'd appreciate any information those who've had their special day there can share. Thoughts on the reception sites, pictures, any of this would really be helpful. Please email at ezvaletservices@gmail.com if possible! Thanks in advance!

Hi Everyone. The info that beb5433 posted is correct. I called them directly. I did not email them. Rosa Marte is the owner and she is wonderful. Great service and she will pick you up at the resort. She took us to her flower shop the day before the wedding and her team catered to our every need. If she did not have the right color that you need she will make sure to get it for you, she had ours painted. It was awesome. You do not have to use the day passes for the florist, whether you choose to go with El Tronco or whatever vendor the resort uses. You will however have to use the day passes for the videographer and photographers.

Shop around for videographers/photographers. The resort will have packages too but I decided to go with Carribean Emotions. I found better prices for the photo/video package. They were great and the pictures are gorgeous. They too have different packages to choose from. I will tell you, make sure you reserve your photographer/videographer in advance. Especially if they're really good. They book really fast.

The cake - I believe there are 2 cakes to choose from and it was delicious. You can bring in your cake topper but I opted for florals to go with the rest of the decor.

The beach party - this included a bar/bartender, dj, lights. I believe this was an extra $300 Dollars. Its your private party so no one (other resort guests) should be intruding. It's held in the ceremony area. You'll have tables, chairs, beach loungers. Its really nice. Time to get together and keep drinking and partying.

The DJ has really good music too. They generally have everything. With me being dominican and my husband is Colombian we had what we love the most....Merengue, Bachata, Salsa & Cumbia. But like I said they have everything. Its the same DJ's that are in the disco at the resort. Everyone catered to our every need and made our wedding so special. If any of you need more info feel free to email me at dania.maldonado@hotmail.com

I know what you are all going thru and know that the more info you get its better. Feel free to contact me or post a message on this forum. I usually check it periodically. Good luck to all of you

I am sooooo excited that I found Dania. It is so great to get advice from someone who went through the same thing that I am at the same resort and dealing with the same people. For those brides that are trying to contact Rosa (Florist), she is currently on vacation and will be back in a week. Now I am sooooo stuck between beach party and late night Marlin party. What about if it rains, then what?????. i think I might do the beach party the night before as a thank you dinner!